Garment serving to combat cellulite and/or venous and lymphatic insufficiency

ABSTRACT

The garments and method disclosed herein serve to combat cellulite and/or venous and lymphatic insufficiency in at least one desired area of a lower and/or upper member of the body. The garments preferably comprise an elastic knitted shell having an inner face and an outer face adapted to restrain with a degressive rate of pressure of the distal extremity of the member toward its proximal extremity, and compromise a projection structure placed on a portion of the inner face corresponding to said area. The projection structures are capable of locally modifying the curvature of the knitted shell, or other material, when the garment is worn thereby increasing the compression exerted by the garment in said area.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority from PCT Patent Application Ser.No. PCT/FR2005/000292 having an international priority date of Feb. 11,2004 (filed Feb. 9, 2005 in the French language) for GARMENT SERVING TOCOMBAT CELLULITE AND/OR VENOUS AND LYMPHATIC INSUFFICIENCY, whichapplication is incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention concerns wearable materials and items, and in particulargarments, intended to help the wearer fight cellulite and possiblevenous and lymphatic sufficiency, and to methods for using the garmentsdisclosed herein, as well as to methods for making the disclosedgarments and components thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Several garments have been proposed to treat cellulite which are usuallyactivated by sweating. It is, today, acknowledged that sweating does notovercome hypertrophy of fatty tissues.

Cellulite affects 95% of women, both slim and corpulent. Cellulite orlipoedema corresponds to a hypertrophy of the fat lodged just under theskin in the hypodermis, associated with retention of fluids and toxins.Whereas, excess weight is due to the storage of fats at a deeper level.

Causes of cellulite are numerous. They could be endogenous in originwith a genetic predisposition, poor blood circulation and also hormonalvariations (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause). They could also be dueto exogenous factors such as a sedentary life style in particular, lackof physical activity and also stress and anxiety.

Although there are several causes and the patho-physiological symptomsare still poorly known, there are two main factors that contribute tothe worsening of cellulite

-   -   firstly the increase in size of the fat cells (adipocytes) due        to storage of fats linked essentially to an unbalanced diet and        sedentary life style    -   and secondly the increase in water infiltration in the tissues,        related to poor venous and lymphatic blood flow back to the        heart.

A study involving the biopsy of 48 womens' thighs affected by celluliterevealed a constant dilatation of the fatty tissue venules visible bothin the capillaries of the dermis and hypodermis, associated with storageof fats in the fatty tissues. The same vein alterations were alsonoticed by infrared thermography that revealed a colder skin temperaturein the cellulite areas.

As the fatty tissues increase in size, the process of self nourishmentwith a deterioration of blood circulation and stagnation of toxins isnoticed. The connective supporting tissue loses its elasticity andbecomes fibrous. At an advanced stage, the cellulite becomes fibrouswhich gives the skin a dimpled and “orange peel” appearance. There arethree clinical stages of “orange peel” skin:

-   -   stage 1: the dimpled appearance is visible when the skin is        pinched    -   stage 2: the dimpled appearance is visible when standing    -   stage 3: the dimpled appearance is permanently visible in all        positions

The effectiveness of treatment proposed can be assessed through highfrequency ultrasound exploration by measuring the thickness of thesubcutaneous tissue and infiltration of water in the tissues.

Lack of physical exercise and a sedentary life style promote the storageof fats. Muscles represent 20 to 25% of womens' bodies and since musclesconsume energy even at rest, it is important to take care of onesmuscles and limit their involution with age. At the age of 65, a personloses 30% of the muscles that he/she has at 25. Regular physicalexercise has a slimming effect in the long term, reducing insulinproduction by the pancreas and also helps to stave off hunger.Furthermore, the fats seem to dissolve notably in areas where themuscles are stimulated through exercise.

Medical experts are in consensus about the benefits involved ingraduated compression associated with walking in venous-lymphaticinsufficiency. Furthermore the beneficial effects of contraction of thecalf muscles by activating what is called the “muscular pump of thecalf” may result in better blood flow from the lower limbs back to theheart.

The Inventor has reported that due to the graduated compression (onaverage the pressure decreases, in a relation of about 40-50% betweenthe ankle and the calf) and Laplace's Law, a compression stocking doesnot really act effectively at the level of the thigh and the pelvis.

According to Laplace's Law, the external pressure (P) exerted by anelastic casing, shell, sheath or similar material, particularly astocking on a desired area of the body, is directly proportional to thetension (T) of the elastic casing, sheath, shell or similar andinversely proportional to the curvature radius (r) of the casing,sheath, shell or similar in the mentioned area. This law is expressed bythe formula P=T/r

Where (P) represents the pressure (g/cm2) exerted on the skin, (T) thetension (g/cm) of the elastic fabric and (r) the curvature radius (cm)of the compressed area.

Laplace's Law is only valid for elastic fabrics, the term fabric used asgenerally accepted to include knitted and woven fabrics and similarmaterials. For a fabric having a constant tension (given), the pressuredecreases when the curvature radius of the limb increases.

Consequently the Inventor has reported that at the upper one third partof the thigh, the pressure exerted by compression stockings is no longereffective on the thigh muscles, on account of the diminishing pressureand also because of the consequences of Laplace's Law, since this partis almost flat; the standard compression stockings do not exert anyefficient pressure here. Since the curvature radius of the lower limbsvaries according to each part considered, it is very difficult tomeasure pressure in vivo. In fact, research and testing laboratoriesdefine the pressure exerted by compression stockings, by calculating thepressure exerted on a cylinder with a well-defined radius based on thecharacteristics of an elastic knitted fabric.

It is possible to increase the elastic compression at the thigh, butthis would make it difficult to put on the garment and furthermore,difficult to wear, as it would be anti-physiological in relation to thevenous and lymphatic blood flow back to the heart.

The Inventor has also reported that manual lymphatic drainage disposesof excess fluids in the tissues and evacuates waste from cellularmetabolism. This drainage occurs through an initial process called“collection” carried out by the network of lymphatic capillaries locatedin the infiltrated areas. The “collection” results from the localizedincrease in the tissue pressure through massage; the greater thepressure, the higher the removal of excess fluids by the lymphaticcapillaries.

The second process of drainage consists in the “evacuation” of thefluids and toxins by the lymphatic capillaries, far from the infiltratedarea, towards the pre-collectors followed by the lymphatic collectors,of which the major trunk is represented by the satellite collectors ofthe saphenous vein.

The instant invention is directed to wearable materials and items suchas garments and methods which act on the different mechanisms of selfnourishment of cellulite resulting in orange peel skin, and which areparticularly effective concerning localized micro circulation, thecollection of toxins and fluids and venous and lymphatic macrocirculation.

This goal is perfectly achieved by the garments and methods disclosedherein, which are intended to fight cellulite and/or venous andlymphatic insufficiency in at least one desired area of a lower and/orupper limb. These wearable materials, items or garments preferablycomprise a knitted elastic sleeve, casing, shell, sheath or similar smaterial presenting an inner and an outer side. The sleeve, casing,shell, sheath, or similar, may be continuous or may be non-continuous onthe desired area, e.g. the sleeve, casing shell, sheath or similar mayhave open areas where a portion of the wearer's skin on an area isuncovered, or areas comprising a different fabric or material.

Preferably, the knitted casing, sleeve, shell, sheath or similar has acompression effect with a diminishing degree of pressure from the distalend of the aforesaid limb to its proximal end and comprises projectionstructures, protuberances or a bumpy composition (also referred toherein as ‘bumpy aspect’), on the inner side of the garmentcorresponding to the desired area. The aim of the bumpy aspect,projection structures, protuberances or bumpy composition is to changethe curvature of the knitted garment locally when worn; it is designedin a way which increases the compression exerted by the garment in theaforesaid desired area, in application of Laplace's Law. It is throughthis combination of diminishing compression, but localized increase incompression brought about by the bumpy aspect, projection structures,protuberances or bumpy composition of the garment that the goal isachieved.

The garment according to the invention stimulates localized microcirculation along with collection of toxins and fluids by means of thebumpy aspect, projection structures, protuberances or bumpy compositionfitted in the parts of the garment corresponding to the cellulite area.Moreover venous and lymphatic macro circulation is also stimulatedbecause of graduated compression. The bumpy aspect, projectionstructures, protuberances or bumpy composition on the inner side of thegarment causes an increase in pressure on the subcutaneous tissue bychanging the curvature radius locally without increasing the elasticcompression at the proximal end of the upper and lower limbs. Such anincrease would not be effective as it would undermine the diminishingaction of elastic compression.

The bumpy composition, or the bumpy aspect, of the garment is preferablymade up of several protuberances or projection structures (which will beused interchangeably herein). This effect can be obtained throughprinting on the knitted fabric with raised deposits. It can be obtainedat the time of knitting with the formation of raised patterns inaccordance with various well-known techniques such as “knitted doublefabric” for example so that the bumpy composition or bumpy aspect can bepreserved even after the garment is worn and the fabric stretched.

According to the areas to be stimulated and following the resultssought, the bumpy composition, or bumpy aspect, may be in varyingnumbers and sizes. Since there are preferably several protuberances orprojection structures, they are preferably placed at intervals to ensureproper airing of the area on which they are applied, so as not toincrease heat and sweating. The protuberances or projection structuresare preferably under six millimeters in height (H), and more preferablyhave a height (H) of about 0.5 to about 3 mm, and spacing of preferablyabout 1 to about 3 times the said height (H). The bumpy composition orbumpy, aspect can also contain active substances using microencapsulation techniques, for cosmetic or hygienic purposes.

As previously stated, the bumpy composition or bumpy aspect of the innerside of the garment will contribute to a better collection of fluids andtoxins in the infiltrated areas by causing the tissue pressure toincrease. The bumpy aspect or bumpy composition is designed in the areasmainly concerned by cellulite preferably at the principle saphenousveins. Its action is enhanced during physical exercise particularly whendoing sport, through a massaging effect which acts in combination withthe pressure exerted. This combined effect of pressure exerted andmassage in the cellulite affected area or areas will break down thecellulite by promoting fluid and toxin collection.

Furthermore, the bumpy composition, or bumpy aspect, on the inner sidealong the lymphatic collectors contributes to a better “evacuation” farfrom the infiltrated parts, of the toxins and fluids picked up by thecapillaries towards the most important collectors, which will also bestimulated by variations in pressure during physical exercise.

A bumpy composition, or bumpy aspect, can also be designed on the outerside of the garment along the body areas mainly affected by cellulite inorder to improve the pressure on tissues during physical exercise on thefloor.

The garments may include in their application leggings or leotards forthe lower limbs and shirts, such as a tee-shirt, for the upper part ofthe body. For the latter, a seam can be used at the armpits to allow fora gradient of pressure between the elbow and the shoulder.

Physical exercise plays an important role in tackling lipogenesis(increase of fat cells) due to sedentary life style. It is possible toimprove the beneficial effects of physical activity, particularly sport,whether it be walking, cycling or a work out when this invention isworn. And even at rest, the wearer of this invention benefits from theadvantages, and comfort of decreasing elastic compression.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide garments intended tohelp the wearer fight cellulite and possible venous and lymphaticinsufficiency, and to methods for using the garments disclosed herein,as well as to methods for making the disclosed garments. These and otherobjects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from areview of the specification and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of ankle-length leggings inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, with a generalfront view showing the areas having a bumpy composition on the innerside.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of theleggings in FIG. 1 seen from the back.

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic representation of a preferred embodimentof the leggings showing a bumpy composition on the outer side of thegarment, seen from the front.

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic representation of a preferred embodimentof the leggings in FIG. 3 seen from the back.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a cross view of a preferred embodiment of theprotuberances on the inner side in an area which is respectively withoutprotuberances on the outer side (FIG. 5) and with protuberances on theouter side of the elastic knitted fabric (FIG. 6).

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment for aleotard for dancers according to the invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically represent a preferred embodiment for atee-shirt according to the invention seen from the front (FIG. 8) andfrom the back (FIG. 9).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps forconstructing and operating the invention in connection with theillustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the sameor equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spiritand scope of the invention.

Turning to the appended figures, in FIG. 1, the garment accords onepreferred embodiment of the invention as a pair of sports leggings (seenfrom the front in FIG. 1). Preferably, the leggings 1 are made up of twohalf-tights 2 and 2′ linked together by seam 6, each preferably beingmade on a straight-bar or circular knitting machine in accordance withwell known techniques to obtain a diminishing gradient of pressurebetween areas or zones that are cellulite-prone or otherwise are to betreated, such as for example, a first zone 3 corresponding to the ankleand a second zone 4 corresponding to the upper thigh. The leggings 1preferably do not cover the feet as can be seen in FIG. 1.

The compression values of leggings 1 may vary according to the effectdesired. For example the compression values on anatomical zones of aperson wearing leggings may be: Ankle pressure Leg pressure Thighpressure (3) (7) (8) In mmHg 8-18 8-15 6-12

Any weaving or knitting process and all fabrics that provide the desiredpressure values may be used. In the case of associated severe venous orlymphatic insufficiency, the usually desired differential compression of50% is possible by fitting the garment with a compression device such assupport knee-length stockings.

According to one aspect of the invention, this diminishing elasticcompression from the distal to the proximal end of the limb isassociated with a bumpy composition on the inner side and possibly theouter side of the garment, in order to combine improved venous andlymphatic circulation with an action of massage and pressure on thecellulite areas with a “collection” and “evacuation” effect.

As a preferred alternative embodiment for creating the invention, FIGS.5 and 6, the bumpy composition is presented as multiple protuberances,or projection structures, 5 and 5′ fixed respectively on the inner side1 a and outer side 1 b of garment 1.

These protuberances 5 and 5′, preferably curved, hemispheric or halfmoon shaped, are preferably made from plastic material, preferablysemi-rigid, such for example, in thermoplastic elastomer, silicone orcomposite. These protuberances can also contain active substancesaccording to the technique of micro encapsulation, for cosmetic orhygienic purposes.

Preferably, the protuberances 5, 5′ have a diameter (D) of under about 8millimeters and a height (H) preferably of about less than 6millimeters. Their number and sizes, however, may be determinedaccording to the areas requiring stimulation and effect desired.

The protuberances 5 on the inner side of the leggings are preferablyplaced according to the following third zone 20: the full circumferenceof the thighs (A), up to is above the knees, both sides of the hips (B),the circumference of the ankles (C) and on the inner side of the leg(D). Their beneficial action combined with diminishing compressionoccurs in these parts (A,B,C,D) marked with a dotted line on thefigures, particularly during specific physical exercises concerningthese areas or during speed walking or pedaling.

The protuberances 5′ on the outer side 1 b of the leggings arerepresented in FIGS. 3 and 4. During floor exercises, the protuberancesbring about an increase in the massage pressure exerted through a simplemechanical pressing action of the protuberances into the skin. In thiscase, the protuberances on the inner and outer side of the sport garmentare preferably superposed to enhance this mechanical pressing action.The 5′ protuberances on the outer side 1 b of leggings 1, are preferablyfitted (FIGS. 3 and 4) solely in a fourth zone 21 corresponding to thecircumference of the upper thigh and on the sides along the thighs andhips.

In another variation, (FIG. 6), garment 10 according to the invention,may be a leotard for dancers, in which the leggings preferably have asleeveless extension covering the upper part of the body.

In another variation (FIGS. 8 and 9), garment 11, according to theinvention, uses the principle of elastic compression associated with abumpy composition on the inner side and possibly the outer side of afifth zone 23 of arms 12. As illustrated in FIG. 9, protuberances 5 havepreferably also been fitted on a part of the back 13 for massage action.A seam 16 is used at the armpits to obtain a pressure gradient betweenthe elbow 14 and shoulder 15. These protuberances can also containactive substances, using micro-encapsulation technology, for cosmetic orhygienic purposes.

This invention is not limited to the methods of production described andillustrated above which are given as examples and are not exhaustive.The bumpy composition in the area or areas to be treated can be createdin any appropriate form provided that the technical effect of localizedincrease in compression exerted by the garment is obtained throughchange in the radius of the knitted garment. This composition could beachieved at the time of knitting with the creation of a thicker knit,that is sufficiently rigid so that it continues to have a bumpy effectwhen worn during sport.

While the present invention has been described with regards toparticular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations ofthe present invention may be devised without departing from theinventive concept.

1. A wearable item to combat cellulite and/or the venous and lymphaticinsufficiency in at least one desired area of the body, comprising: anelastic material comprising an inner face and an outer face, saidmaterial adapted to restrain the area of the body with a diminishingrate of pressure from the distal extremity of the area of the bodytoward its proximal extremity; and at least one projection structureplaced on a portion of the inner face, said projection structure adaptedto modify the curvature of the material to be worn whereby compressionexerted by the material in the desired area of the body is increased tolessen cellulite and/or venous and lymphatic insufficiency.
 2. Thematerial as claimed in claim 1, comprising a wearable item incorporatingplurality of projecton structures having a substantially curved form. 3.The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projection structurescomprise a material selected from the group consisting of plastic,semi-rigid plastic, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone and compositesthereof.
 4. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projectionstructures are formed by impression, with deposits in relief.
 5. Thematerial as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material comprises a fabricand the projection structures are formed integral with the fabric at thetime of knitting.
 6. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein theprojection structures of the inner face are placed on the level of theparts of the material intended to be in contact with at least one zoneto be treated and with the veno-lymphatic saphenous collector.
 7. Thematerial as claimed in claim 2, wherein the projection structures of theinner face are placed on the level of the parts of the material intendedto be in contact with at least one zone to be treated and with theveno-lymphatic saphenous collector.
 8. The material as claimed in claim1, further comprising protuberances on the outer face and wherein aportion of protuberances on the outer face of the material are insuperposition with a portion of the projection structures on the innerface of the material.
 9. The material as claimed in claim 2, furthercomprising protuberances on the outer face and wherein a portion ofprotuberances on the outer face of the material are in superpositionwith a portion of the projection structures on the inner face of thematerial.
 10. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least oneprojection structure on the inner face contains micro encapsulatedactive substances.
 11. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein thematerial comprises a tee-shirt having armpits and wherein at least oneof the armpits comprises a part of ease under the armpit in order tomaintain the decreasing scale of pressure between at least one elbow andat least one shoulder of a wearer.
 12. The material as claimed in claim2, wherein the projection structures on the inner face of the materialhave a height (H) of less than about 6 mm.
 13. The material as claimedin claim 12, wherein the projection structures on the inner face of thematerial have a height (H) of between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm. 14.The material as claimed in claim 2, wherein the projection structures onthe inner face of the material have a height and wherein the projectionstructures are spaced from one another at a distance of between about 1to about 3 times the height (H) of the projection structures on theinner face.
 15. A wearable material to combat cellulite and/or thevenous and lymphatic is insufficiency in at least one desired area ofthe body, comprising: a. an elastic sheath comprising an inner face andan outer face, said sheath adapted to restrain the area of the body witha diminishing rate of pressure from the distal extremity of the area ofthe body toward its proximal extremity; b. at least one projectionstructure placed on a portion of the inner face, said projectionstructures having a height (H) of less than about 6 mm and adapted tomodify the curvature of the sheath when the wearable material is worn;and c. at least one protuberance on the outer face, whereby compressionexerted by the wearable material in the desired area of the body isincreased and wherein a portion of protuberances on the outer face ofthe wearable material are in superposition with a portion of theprojection structures on the inner face of the wearable material. 16.The wearable material as claimed in claim 15, wherein the projectionstructures on the inner face of the sheath have a height (H) of betweenabout 0.5 mm and about 3 mm.
 17. The wearable material as claimed inclaim 15, wherein the projection structures on the inner face of thesheath are spaced from one another at a distance of between about 1 toabout 3 times the height (H) of the projection structures on the innerface.
 18. A wearable material to combat cellulite and/or the venous andlymphatic insufficiency in at least one desired area of the body,comprising: a. an elastic sleeve comprising an inner face and an outerface, said sleeve adapted to restrain the area of the body with adiminishing rate of pressure from the distal extremity of the area ofthe body toward its proximal extremity; b. at least one projectionstructure placed on a portion of the inner face, said projectionstructures having a height (H) of less than about 6 mm and adapted tomodify the curvature of the sleeve when the wearable material is worn;and c. at least one protuberance on the outer face, whereby compressionexerted by the wearable material in the desired area of the body isincreased and wherein a portion of projection structures on the innerface comprises micro encapsulated active substances.
 19. The wearablematerial as claimed in claim 18, wherein the projection structures onthe inner face of the sleeve have a height (H) of between about 0.5 mmand about 3 mm.
 20. The wearable material as claimed in claim 18,wherein the projection structures on the inner face of the sleeve arespaced from one another at a distance of between about 1 to about 3times the height (H) of the projection structures on the inner face.